Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group continues to be a leader in delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company's mission centers on building an organization where people are inspired to improve their lives, emphasizing family values that extend beyond the customers to their team members and the communities in which they operate. Known for their commitment to quality, cultural respect, and community involvement, Panda Restaurant Group provides a dynamic working environment that fosters growth and opportunity. They focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere not only for their guests but also for their team members, ensuring that everyone who is part of the Panda family feels valued and empowered.

The role of a Cook at Panda is an essential leadership position within the restaurant’s kitchen, acting as the heart of the culinary team. This is a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where associates have the opportunity to play a central role in delivering excellent food and service. As a Panda Cook, the individual is responsible for preparing food with passion, serving with heart, and creating an inviting ambiance that reflects pride in the work and company. This position not only involves cooking but also encompasses guiding the kitchen team and assisting with their training to maintain high standards of quality and safety.

A Panda Cook supports the creation of a vibrant and welcoming environment for guests by preparing all dishes according to company recipes and standards. The individual is expected to perform all Back of House responsibilities effectively, ensuring smooth kitchen operations. The role is ideal for individuals with some high school education and a preference for prior operations experience. Applicants must be certified according to local or municipal food safety requirements, such as the Food Handler certification, which candidates must acquire at their own expense.

Working at Panda comes with many rewards and benefits. Flexible schedules accommodate various life commitments, and competitive pay ranges between $21 to $24 per hour depending on factors such as location and experience. Team members enjoy free meals while working, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time associates, and additional voluntary insurance options like short-term disability coverage and cancer income protection. The company also offers health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with a company match, and generous leave policies including vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and a Leave Share Program. Associates receive discounts on many brands, referral bonuses, and opportunities to give back to their communities. Panda values continuous development, offering hands-on paid training and ongoing career and leadership development that opens pathways for growth into management positions.

The work environment is physically demanding, with kitchen staff expected to work in hot conditions, stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and use specialized kitchen tools like Chinese cook knives while maintaining speed and accuracy. Effective verbal communication skills, adaptability in a dynamic setting, and conflict management abilities are essential to succeed in this role. Panda Restaurant Group is dedicated to inclusion and equal opportunity, providing accommodations through the application process and employment to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Overall, the Cook position at Panda represents a unique opportunity to join a respected and expanding restaurant group that values its people as the key ingredient for success. This role combines culinary skill with leadership and teamwork, making it an excellent career choice for those passionate about food and eager to grow within a supportive and family-oriented company.